I honestly wish they had never changed the rule. It’s meant to speed up play but is doing the exact opposite. I’ve played twice since the rules changed and on some holes the pin is going in and out up to 4 times because of player preference. Not a good rule change at all when you also factor in that there is no standard thickness, weight and material for each pin so varies course to course.

I play a course 36 holes and they have different flag sticks depending on what course you play. The Championship course has the thicker and heavier flag stick while the normal course uses the thinner and lighter flag stick.

I suppose the rules makers had anticipated that etiquette would have prevailed. The best example would be if I'm 40 feet from the pin and 2 others are 30 feet away from a back pin, I wouldn't have to wait for someone to pull the pin. Once pulled (after I leave the putt 24 inches out), then the worst case scenario would be me then tending the pin once or twice. Pulling it for a 18 foot putt and then putting it back for a 6 foot putt would indeed be a waste of time. They didn't think everyone would be in touch with their "inner Bryson" to use the pin consistently on the green. No change will ever really speed up the pace of play while too many play tees too long or imagine being on the stage for million dollar payout in a casual round. Golf always wins, so one should try to have fun.

We joke around here in CT and say if its downhill then pull the stick out and lay it behind the hole...guaranteed to stick it close!

The rule should only apply to singles who don't want to be penalized for cruising through the course at record speeds and cannot be bothered to pull the pin b/c they have a 6 month old baby at home they need to get back to and the wife said fine you can golf but only for 2 hours and you're thinking I bet I can get in 18 since its raining and 35 degrees out and the course is empty. That guy gets to the leave the pin in.

Out. Works for me for 20 years!

Yip I agree, nothing wrong with having the flag out.

I will leave it in if I think the situation calls for it

I think this is the right answer!

Depends on the situation for sure.